Later in the day, after the pre-dawn police raids at Oscar Grant Plaza and Snow Park, 1500 or more supporters gathered at 4pm in front of the Oakland public library's main branch to protest the police assault on Occupy Oakland. Speakers decried the mass arrests, the destruction of all of the the physical apparatuses of the occupation, and the use of force against occuppiers including tear gas, a flash bang grendade, and projectiles. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan was a particular target of scorn for having ordered OPD to clear out the encampments. Speakers passionately expressed determination that the brute force of the police would not stand in the way of the occupy movement as it confronts the growing economic inequalities in this country. [Audio below]

[Pictured above: mass gathering at main branch of the Oakland public library on 14th Street]